5 Types of Humidifiers and How to Pick the Best One for Your Home (2024)

A home humidifier can help alleviate dry skin, prevent dryness in the throat and nasal passages, and relieve the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It's one of the best solutions for adding moisture indoors, especially during colder months. However, choosing the wrong humidifier can lead to potential health issues and the growth of mold.

Here is a short list of the types of humidifiers on the market, how they work, pros and cons, and factors to consider when choosing one for your home.

Types of Humidifiers

Humidifier classifications include whole home (HVAC/ducted) humidifiers versus portable (standalone), tabletop, tower, and console humidifiers. The most common types of humidifiers are cool or warm mist and evaporative, steam, or ultrasonic units.

1. Cool-Mist Humidifiers

Cool-mist humidifiers emit room-temperature water into the air. They use a fan to blow air through a moistened wick or filter, releasing a cool mist and adding moisture without raising the room temperature. Cool-mist humidifiers are ideal for warm climates and work in any size room.

The main pros of cool humidifiers are that they are energy-efficient and ideal for use in households with children and pets because there is no risk of burns from hot water or steam. The downside is that they can be noisier than other types of humidifiers.

2. Warm-Mist Humidifiers

Warm-mist humidifiers are the opposite of cold-mist humidifiers. They heat the water to produce steam and cool it before releasing it into the air. Warm mist humidifiers work best in cold climates and small rooms. These humidifiers can effectively alleviate cold and flu symptoms. The heating process decreases the amount of bacteria likely to be released into the air.

A benefit of warm-mist humidifiers is that they are quieter than cool-mist units. They can also achieve high moisture saturation levels, reduce bacteria and germ buildup, help soothe respiratory symptoms, and ease congestion. The downside is that they consume more energy due to the heating element, and there is a risk of burns if the humidifier is not handled carefully. It’s a safety risk around children and pets.

3. Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound waves to vibrate and produce a mist of water particles that are released into the air to moisturize the room. Most ultrasonic humidifiers have the option of cold or warm mist and are suitable for all room sizes and climates.

The main advantage of these is that they are quiet. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and quick to clean. The downside is that some models may produce white dust, a byproduct of minerals in the water. The harmful dust can settle on surfaces and irritate respiratory problems. They require frequent cleaning to prevent mineral buildup.

4. Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow water through a wet filter to moisturize the air. The disposable filter reduces the amount of bacteria or other harmful materials released into the air. Evaporative humidifiers are suitable for larger rooms and dry climates.

Evaporative humidifiers are energy-efficient because they are self-regulating and shut off when the desired humidity level is achieved. The downside is that, like other cool-mist humidifiers, they require regular maintenance to prevent mold and bacteria growth in the filter. Also, they tend to be noisier than ultrasonic humidifiers.

5. Vaporizer/Steam Humidifiers

Vaporizer humidifiers and steam humidifiers use electricity to heat water and produce steam that is released into the air. The moisture is very clean and helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Most vaporizers can be set for cool or warm mist.

These humidifiers are ideal for smaller rooms and cold climates. In addition to alleviating respiratory symptoms and easing congestion, they are simple to use and require minimal maintenance. The downside is that they consume more energy due to the heating element and can be a safety hazard if not handled correctly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Type of Humidifier

Several factors should be considered when selecting a humidifier, including the unit’s features, room size, climate, installation, and potential safety hazards. The best fit depends on your family’s needs and preferences.

Features

Some humidifiers have an adjustable humidistat that allows you to set the machine to your desired humidity level. Others have an automatic shutoff system that kicks in when the water tank is empty. Remote-controlled models with variable speed options allow you to change moisture output, lower power usage, and adjust the noise level.

Room Size

Room size matters. Humidifiers are available for small, medium, large, and extra-large rooms, and for entire houses. Determine whether you prefer a portable or whole-house humidifier. Portable humidifiers are easy to move around and can be placed in specific rooms. In contrast, whole-house humidifiers are installed directly into your home’s HVAC system. To get the right humidifier size and capacity for your room, measure the size in square feet and choose a humidifier with a moisture output corresponding to this size.

Climate

The climate of your region also influences your choice of humidifier. For example, warm-mist humidifiers are more suitable for colder climates, while cool-mist humidifiers are ideal for warmer climates. Also, the safety hazards associated with certain types of humidifiers, such as burns from hot water or steam in warm-mist humidifiers, should be considered.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and cleaning ensure that your humidifier provides optimal performance at all times. It’s best to read the manufacturer’s instructions before buying. There, you’ll see how frequently you need to clean the machine. Decide if you’re up for that challenge. Humidifiers that come with filters add an additional cost to the price tag of the machine. Keep in mind the time and money you’ll need to spend to keep your device working for the long haul.